Here are some comments from some of the groups involved in the new agreement.

ESPN president John Skipper: “Given the history of excellence by teams in the SEC and Big 12, we recognized the value in securing long-term rights to the Sugar Bowl. The matchup will provide college football fans with a memorable way to start the New Year on ESPN’s many platforms.”

Big 12 Conference commissioner Bob Bowlsby: “ESPN has a rich post-season college football history. The long-term commitment of our partners from ESPN, the SEC, and the Sugar Bowl to this game assures its stature as a marquee event among college athletics.”

Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive: “The matchup between the SEC and the Big 12 in the Sugar Bowl on ESPN creates a new tradition for college football fans on New Year’s Night. We are very excited about this new venture and look forward to competing against the Big 12 in the Sugar Bowl on ESPN.”

Sugar Bowl chief executive officer Paul Hoolahan: “The Sugar Bowl is delighted to extend our partnership with ESPN to present this stellar game between top representatives of two perennial powerhouse conferences.”

It’s a big deal for the network, the bowl and the two conferences. And it matches a 12-year deal the network recently announced with the Rose Bowl also beginning in 2015.